The Minns Labor Government is enabling the delivery of around 1,300 new homes across the NSW South Coast, finalising three major rezonings that will transform underutilised land in Nowra and Kiama into vibrant, well-connected neighbourhoods.
In Nowra, the finalised Nowra Riverfront Precinct and Mandalay Sub-Precinct rezonings will enable up to 900 new homes along the Shoalhaven River foreshore, including social and affordable housing, alongside restaurants, cafes and new public spaces that will bring the riverfront to life.
In Kiama, the rezoning of a former council depot just steps from the beach, town centre and train station will unlock around 380 new homes on underutilised council land.
These rezonings will help make sure housing supply keeps pace with growth across the region over coming years, while also making sure that the liveability of local communities is improved.
The rezonings are another example of the Minns Labor Government using planning reforms to remove barriers to housing delivery, unlock well-located land and provide the certainty needed to get more homes built sooner.
Nowra Riverfront and Mandalay Sub-Precinct
The finalised rezonings will deliver:
- at least 30 per cent social and affordable housing on Homes NSW land, and two per cent affordable housing on private land across both areas;
- building heights between five and 12 storeys in the Riverfront Precinct, and up to six storeys in the Mandalay Sub-Precinct, with design excellence requirements for taller buildings; and
- vibrant foreshore activation including boatsheds on Scenic Drive, and restaurants and cafes.
Kiama Depot
The final rezoning has been refined in response to the feedback and will deliver:
- approximately 380 new homes, with a maximum building height of six storeys;
- a minimum of 10 per cent in perpetuity affordable housing;
- 600 parking spaces for residents and visitors; and
- housing that is aligned with the Low and Mid Rise Housing Policy, making sure a diversity of housing is available within walking distance of Kiama’s town centre and train station.
- The final planning controls have been informed and amended following public feedback.
Today’s announcement builds on a suite of major investments transforming the South Coast, anchored by the $440 million redevelopment of Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital.
Once complete in late 2026, the redeveloped hospital will serve as the region’s major health hub, delivering expanded and modernised healthcare services to the growing community.
Beyond the hospital redevelopment, the Minns Labor Government is delivering a new public primary school and preschool in Worrigee, upgrading Nowra East Public School, Vincentia High School, Ulladulla Public School, Ulladulla High School and Milton Public School, and redeveloping the former Shoalhaven Anglican School site for public education use.
Landcom’s construction of 60 new build-to-rent homes in Bomaderry is on track for completion by the end of 2026, helping to boost housing supply in the region.
Work is also underway on the major upgrade of the Jervis Bay Road and Princes Highway intersection, part of the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments’ $1.96 billion investment in improving safety, connectivity, and reliability along the Princes Highway corridor.
Shoalhaven City Council will now prepare a site-specific Development Control Plan for the Nowra precincts to guide detailed design, while Kiama Municipal Council will determine next steps for the depot site with future development applications to be publicly exhibited for community feedback.
For more information, visit Nowra Riverfront Precinct, Mandalay Sub-Precinct and Kiama Depot.
Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said:
“These are exactly the kinds of projects our region needs by turning underutilised but well-located land into thriving neighbourhoods where people can live, work and stay connected to their community.
“Whether it’s revitalising the Nowra riverfront or unlocking new housing opportunities in the heart of Kiama, these rezonings will deliver lasting benefits for the South Coast.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“For too long, families have struggled to find somewhere to live, and activating underutilised sites allows us to deliver the new homes these families need.
“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of unlocking well-located sites close to transport, jobs, and town centres and building the homes our communities need.
“These rezonings are about removing barriers to housing delivery and making sure land is put to better use so more people can find a place to call home within the communities they choose.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“Social and affordable housing is key to a strong housing system that is accessible for everyone and that’s exactly why we’re delivering it here.
“These rezonings are about turning plans into homes, giving more people in Nowra and Kiama a safe, affordable place to live.”
Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:
“Nowra’s riverfront has enormous potential and these plans will finally unlock it by bringing new life to the foreshore while delivering the homes our community desperately needs.
“Combined with the $5 million in federal funding to upgrade public spaces along the Shoalhaven River, this is a genuine transformation for Nowra City Centre.”
Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:
Finding a home, particularly one that suits the needs of our older residents looking to downsize, young people looking to get a foot in the ownership door, or workers looking for well-located homes close to their jobs, has become an insurmountable barrier in our pricey electorate.
Rezonings like this are crucial to providing diverse housing options in our community and utilising existing infrastructure and infill to achieve this.
It will also provide a significant boost to much-needed affordable and social housing, helping some of our most vulnerable community members into a home.”
